Mastectomy

Mastectomy

Photo of chest after mastectomy

A mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast. This is called total or simple mastectomy. In a modified mastectomy, the breast is removed along with the lymph nodes under the arm, the lining over the chest muscles, and sometimes part of the chest wall muscles.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSue Barton, PhD, PsyD - Behavioral Health
Last RevisedAugust 27, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 27, 2012
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Sue Barton, PhD, PsyD - Behavioral Health

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